Under tight deadline, DST builds new broadcast facility for KPSP-TV

In September, KPSP-TV in Palm Springs, Calif., signed on as the first local CBS affiliate in the history of the market (DMA # 159), and the first network-affiliated station serving the Coachella Valley in 35 years. Previously, both regions received its CBS programming from Los Angeles-based KCBS-TV.

KPSP-TV uses a Grass Valley Group M2100 for its main master control switcher, as secured by systems integrator Digital System Technology. Here, an M2100 is pictured at KTVU/KICU-TV in Oakland, California. DST also secured M2100 switchers for this facility.

When the agreement was signed by new owner Desert Television in 2000, it was the first affiliation granted by CBS in 30 years. One of the requirements by the network for granting the affiliation, however, was that KPSP had to be on the air in time for the 2002 fall season.

Racing against the clock, Digital System Technology (DST), located in Irwindale, Calif., was selected as systems integrator to design, build and move the station into a new facility in time for a September 3rd on-air date.

Once a new site was secured for the new multi-million dollar facility, DST provided systems design, project management and coordination of a full complement of new, state-of-the-art equipment. Formerly a local independent station, KPSP-TV’s license and broadcast tower are the only things that remain of the old facility.

The only part of the project yet to be completed is the HD production and broadcast area of the facility, which is currently in the final stages. KPSP initially didn’t plan to include HD capabilities in their design, but DST helped them identify key technologies that the station could grow into as it moves toward future DTV and HDTV operation.

"When we went shopping for equipment, DST was able to acquire a great deal of high definition technology at analog prices,” said Bob Hoffman, senior broadcast consultant to KPSP. “Once we recognized that, we simply added high definition features onto our initial project. They had a tremendous influence on the pricing and service with our equipment suppliers."

The result is a multi-million dollar facility that includes full digital broadcast and production capabilities and two mobile production trucks designed by E-N-G Mobile Systems (in Concord, Calif.) and secured through DST.

JT Duggin, senior vice president/COO at DST, said that to save time, several of the system components were built off-site at DST’s design facility and then delivered while the KPSP-TV’s facility was in the midst of construction.

“With only several months to design and build the station, including equipment decisions and lead time for manufacturer delivery, this was among the most unique projects we have ever done,” he said.

Independent station owner Griffin Communications is putting the finishing touches on a new, all HD broadcast facility in Tulsa, Okla. the home of News On 6 (KOTV, the local CBS affiliate) and The Tulsa CW (KQCW, the local CW affiliate).